Dispute Resolution Options
The Office of Special Education is responsible for ensuring a system of due process consistent with New York State law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Due process procedures have been established to provide specific options for resolving concerns or disagreements that arise between parents and school districts about the identification, evaluation, educational placement of, or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to a student with a disability or a student suspected of having a disability.
There are three distinct options for special education dispute resolution:
- Mediation;
- State Complaint; and
- Due Process Hearing (also known as an impartial hearing).
School districts and parents are encouraged to work cooperatively to resolve disagreements that may occur through non-adversarial means whenever possible. For example, parents may contact their child’s teacher or ask for a meeting with school administrators or the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) or Committee on Special Education (CSE) to discuss concerns about their child's education before proceeding with the dispute mechanisms above.
Contact Us
Special Education Due Process Unit
New York State Education Department
Office of Special Education, Room 309 EB
89 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12234
Attention: Due Process Unit
Phone: (518) 473-0170
Fax: (518) 402-3583
specedih@nysed.gov
Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Offices
The Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) Regional Offices website includes contact information for the SEQA regional associate assigned to your school.